[{"_1":2,"_109":-5,"_110":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,87,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6345913,"mediaKeyId","2247881-38af9c6635fd72bf51596f2322008bf1","parentId",2247881,"title","Votes at a glance: Feb. 20 Johnson City Commission — appointments, rezoning, property conveyance and CPACER adoption","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",1952,"endMs",2009,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2247881-38af9c6635fd72bf51596f2322008bf1&start=1&end=2","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2247881-38af9c6635fd72bf51596f2322008bf1/thumbnail_1952.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6345913/Tennessee/Votes-at-a-glance-Feb-20-Johnson-City-Commission-appointments-rezoning-property-conveyance-and-CPACER-adoption","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6345913-cb0d38f9d967751c7b2a4df72aee3bf8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140503&Signature=gOBnsoWpAkVuOBJqhE2G0oo2m9pYP8u34kNDWjXb8Ph8n45-zAjyODBcDUPCTyv4wVCLeqi9Uo3ulFSRqIG7AdBEa6jyLfQc1MBblHto877Kh1BErFcRuztfUFNjCHVt922UwGDAjwwEhnxa3dogWmivE76P3fw7F9loGSOKemHbinR3XgsKXDQeHgLeP~VXeTUjARZKIvn18oxPZq60cq2j~rX7y~WbiG8Z5yIrHnVcYnsGG-Fb9hsdTEtF~CHtrOSMUuG3MyX6wF4CF7viZKFIATCFgA0NqOYhf3tIIlMXLzvs9NyQhp0edFsh3~aUYKQksSC1U9C~Lzqgnf6NbQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Johnson, TN","date","2025-02-07T11:38:27Z","article","Summary of formal actions taken by the Johnson City City Commission on Feb. 20, 2025. Where recorded in the transcript, vote tallies and primary details are listed. Items with minimal discussion are grouped for quick reference.

Approved/advanced items

- Appointment: Tom Shanks to the Historic Zoning Commission. Motion passed unanimously. (See appointment article for public comment raising staffing and survey concerns.)

- Consent agenda: Approved (motion passed unanimously). The consent agenda included, among other items, a change order and final reconciliation to close out the Ash Street Courthouse renovation with Burwell Construction. Facilities Director Brian Ross said the final design-build total was $5,443,974 (initial design-build agreement figure was roughly $5,000,000; an additional $500,000 had been requested previously). The consent vote also approved the Main Street program annual letter of agreement and MOU with Connect Downtown Johnson City.

- Ordinance 4906-25 (first reading): Rezoning of a 9.32-acre Buffalo Road parcel from I-2 (heavy industrial) to R-3 (medium-density residential) to allow two single-family residences on a common lot. Approved on first reading unanimously.

- Ordinance 4907-25 (first reading): Conveyance (quitclaim) of a less-than-half-acre city parcel and nonexclusive right-of-way easement adjacent to Novice Drive to the Johnson City Energy Authority to correct an earlier conveyance omission and provide access to transmission lines. City staff said the conveyance cleans up a 2017 transfer when the Power Board became an authority; the item passed on first reading by unanimous vote.

- Resolution to adopt the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy and Resilience (CPACER) program: After a public hearing with no speakers, the commission adopted the resolution and directed staff to publish program information and materials on the city website. Staff indicated forms and the guidebook would be posted under Economic Development. Motion passed unanimously.

Other actions

- Approval of minutes for the regular meeting on Jan. 16, 2025: Motion and unanimous approval recorded.

- Defer presentation of unaudited financial statements: Staff asked to defer the finance director’s presentation to the March 6 meeting due to illness; commission accepted the deferral (no formal vote required).

Vote tallies (as recorded in the meeting transcript): where the transcript recorded roll calls, those members recorded voting \"yes\" included Commissioner Brock, Commissioner Fowler, Vice Mayor Cox and Mayor John F. Hunter II. Specific mover/second are noted when presented on the record; where not explicitly named in the transcript the mover is shown as \"not specified.\"","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Johnson City Board of Commissioners Meeting 02-06-2025","oneSentenceSummary","A concise list of motions and outcomes from the Feb. 20 Johnson City City Commission meeting, including appointments, ordinances and a new CPACER program resolution.","taxTitle","Johnson City, Washington County, Tennessee","taxId",24786,"location","Tennessee","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":42,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6345927,"Commission approves first reading to rezone 9.32 acres on Buffalo Road to allow two single-family homes",1341,1779,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2247881-38af9c6635fd72bf51596f2322008bf1&start=1&end=1","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2247881-38af9c6635fd72bf51596f2322008bf1/thumbnail_1341.jpg","/articles/6345927/Tennessee/Commission-approves-first-reading-to-rezone-932-acres-on-Buffalo-Road-to-allow-two-single-family-homes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6345927-83c2f5d6ca5e1d1f388491660ba21ce7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140503&Signature=AvETT5vtaamaH5Mk8kCZ69YiN~foWBvJvgwzF6pzDzZQqZDsbLUgpn5ZOHinWi3LwT9jgcqARaeovezTtsYn~MK1wBrJuR2CRzhlP94y51bp9zjl8xcvN~CbMTv2Hr10dZ78P3tOQG0tCUYDbbJqrnXhqeBsQ5TJtv7igUkYKInfleo02gmIQDBzlut1rKanNp26rV8cPz7PqoPRgFnlPWQqMXjdcgqXcz92DrpCcWM~WLrCPFO-2jrcl~Srp1mYk1K4vvGdXQExMPoX1EvMwlCD9rlF1KBlQdirFqCM65vIKrEzZwwqMfgiSsrAZeuyPEGpxoJdsJ0~-DH7SYnhYA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Johnson City Commission on Feb. 20 approved on first reading Ordinance 4906-25 to rezone a 9.32-acre parcel on Buffalo Road from I-2 (heavy industrial) to R-3 (medium-density residential) to accommodate two single-family residences on a common lot.

Bryce McNamer, planner with the Development Services Department, told the commission the parcel has very limited frontage (just over 50 feet), steep elevation changes, dense vegetation and a sinkhole-like depression that make typical industrial development impractical. McNamer said water and sewer service are available and that the concept plan shows two single-family houses served by a private driveway; because of the low anticipated traffic, staff did not require a traffic study. He said the city’s Horizon 2045 future land-use map classifies the area for employment/flex uses but that site-specific topography and access support the rezoning request. The Johnson City Regional Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval on Jan. 14.

Commissioners asked about neighbors’ reactions; McNamer said a neighborhood meeting on Jan. 9 had zero attendees and staff received one phone comment from an adjacent property owner in I-2 who opposed residential use but did not state reasons. Commissioner discussion emphasized the site’s narrow access—roughly 300–350 feet of stem lot before developable area—and the steep contours that limit industrial uses. Dr. Fowler moved to approve the first reading; Commissioner Shivert seconded. The commission voted unanimously in favor (Commissioner Brock: yes; Commissioner Fowler: yes; Vice Mayor Cox: yes; Mayor John F. Hunter II: yes). The motion carried on first reading.

Why it matters: the change converts a long-unused, annexed industrial parcel (annexed in the early 1960s) to residential zoning and clears the way for a two-house development concept that staff says minimizes disturbance of existing physical site features. The rezoning is a first reading only; future site-plan approvals or concept-plan amendments would be required before construction.

Key details provided in the meeting: the parcel acreage is 9.32 acres; frontage on Buffalo Road is just over 50 feet; the concept plan shows two single-family homes served by a private shared driveway; staff noted the presence of a sinkhole/depression and dense vegetation; the neighborhood meeting held Jan. 9 had no attendees and staff received one opposing call (reason not specified).

Next steps: because the ordinance passed first reading, the item will return for a subsequent reading (final adoption) and any required site-plan or concept-plan approvals prior to building permits.","The Johnson City Commission on Feb. 20 approved on first reading Ordinance 4906-25 to rezone a 9.32-acre parcel on Buffalo Road from I-2 (heavy industrial) to R-3 (medium-density residential) to accommodate two single-family residences on a common lot.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":42,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6345918,"Main Street program presents annual report; commission approves MOU with Connect Downtown",882,1222,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2247881-38af9c6635fd72bf51596f2322008bf1&start=0&end=1","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2247881-38af9c6635fd72bf51596f2322008bf1/thumbnail_882.jpg","/articles/6345918/Tennessee/Main-Street-program-presents-annual-report-commission-approves-MOU-with-Connect-Downtown","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6345918-77b1382d662c054e7bd9d91593d185aa/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140503&Signature=ntF3J0SYMnrsr0I1nVVK9-ieeJbKkoD4DG6hvIzf1G50A9551Dfzv6~oFMS1fcErH6-QmYUutbG~3ZSDGm1d4g8iyeQwE1EQkcl5k85lEuFSfQk2Pp9oEwJOeFSZragk80wxEnfkbbbS5QqyU9exXkFdYDXNd2cubsNYPE6NdnXoi2pAPkyxwmCVFHfsEZmK5i9nrFRObTwMLct~qX61MstLzAH6vB-Sa-KoLjrhIw38k4GzNdrXmXJlRNFjgfVYvl63X59jf6lkrO70VgiQnfV~FehW0CLQ6PSXt9RnjHi1~2pmCHeRIvoC4n71OS70E-ov8aw4woFXf2A2tj5vng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lindsay Jones, executive director of the Johnson City Main Street program, briefed the commission on the program’s annual accomplishments as staff sought approval of the program’s annual letter of agreement and memorandum of understanding with Connect Downtown Johnson City.

Jones said the year was one of transition: the Main Street program revised bylaws, appointed six new board members, added two ex officio roles linking the Chamber of Commerce and the convention and visitors bureau (CVB), established internal financial controls and hired a finance manager paid for by the foundation. The program also secured funding for interns and prepared a 40-page state annual report and a national-accreditation packet due to Chicago at month’s end.

Jones highlighted events and economic indicators: the return of signature events (Fridays After 5, Acoustic Autumn, Sip & Shop) and a new street festival, Main Street Days, which she said attracted more than 8,000 attendees. Jones said merchants reported a 71% increase in foot traffic in October compared with previous years and that a downtown business, The Generalist, reported a 21% sales increase versus 2023. She said 19 new businesses opened in the district last year and that stakeholders perceived the program’s strategic planning session positively.

Jones described the Main Street program’s purpose as an economic-development tool for local historic districts that follows national accreditation standards covering promotions, organization, placemaking/design and economic vitality. She listed upcoming events including a “Brunch and Bouquets” promotion and a Saint Patrick’s edition of Main Street Days on March 15.

The commission discussed the program and then approved the annual letter of agreement and MOU as part of the consent agenda; the consent motion passed unanimously (Commissioner Brock: yes; Commissioner Fowler: yes; Vice Mayor Cox: yes; Mayor John F. Hunter II: yes).

Why it matters: the Main Street program supports downtown economic activity, merchant recruitment, and placemaking projects; Jones’s report included attendance, foot-traffic and sales figures that staff and merchants cited as evidence of downtown momentum.","Main Street executive director Lindsay Jones reported a transitional year with new bylaws, board appointments, accreditation work and events that drew an estimated 8,000 people to Main Street Days; the commission approved the program’s annual letter of agreement and MOU as part of the consent agenda.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":42,"_43":101,"_45":102,"_47":103,"_49":104,"_51":105,"_53":106,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":107,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":108,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6345921,"Commission appoints Tom Shanks to Historic Zoning Commission after public comment citing staff turnover and outdated plan",230,734,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2247881-38af9c6635fd72bf51596f2322008bf1&start=0&end=0","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2247881-38af9c6635fd72bf51596f2322008bf1/thumbnail_230.jpg","/articles/6345921/Tennessee/Commission-appoints-Tom-Shanks-to-Historic-Zoning-Commission-after-public-comment-citing-staff-turnover-and-outdated-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6345921-03bd02dea5f6c1ead3244a2b976a0daf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140503&Signature=GgTejrLoB72cskt83I~DXxel2e3opJNdDivSGz35dW58Iwd5qlhmF4LXg4BU36XDaY-YiIzHzI-M2cZunSgWVjsaq657mCntBDmvkqJu7Rvz5VxteU4hccCyrVJCo8KBshUeNaiqzrGgtG61LMlejELFcJ6gE9rlqY~9~EIy6fL8s0FRVm8RRl3m~mIPAcAnVaRpGaGLc0gXfeoYEjCpduZcDA~w6Ql-bzqCBjjoltLcAWbjLEhU26XWwdIffjKEZPO-mu1bdImwjFtS2X-Gm7NswZZgsJtzOkIH0~QtQ9DnYx-IUxiE8Z97L8QDpmPKQfHvXCtuoE5pUWjM-ITXPw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Johnson City Commission voted Feb. 20 to appoint Tom Shanks to the Historic Zoning Commission. The appointment was presented by city staff; Shanks, of 2411 Melbourne Drive, previously served on the commission and meets the architect qualification required for the seat.

Before the vote, Harold Hunter, vice chair of the Historic Zoning Commission, addressed the commission during public comment to highlight ongoing operational problems on the commission, including frequent staff turnover and lack of continuity. Hunter said he has served on the commission for nine years (eleven years in total including earlier service) and recounted that, during his tenure, the commission has had four different department heads and five different planners assigned at various times, and periods with interim staff. He said that inconsistent staff interpretation has created “turmoil and confusion.” Hunter also said the commission lacks access to the city attorney for clarification on questions at times and that the commission’s preservation survey is outdated: the commission’s plan is 20 years old and the State Historic Commission expects surveys of potentially historic structures (over 50 years old) to be updated every five to ten years.

Hunter urged the commission and staff, including new staff under Ms. Summers, to address continuity, update the survey and increase property-owner education regarding historic preservation and conservation zoning, referencing the city’s comprehensive plan language on education and awareness. Mayor John F. Hunter II and other commissioners thanked Hunter for his service and for raising the issues.

City staff described the applicant Tom Shanks as qualified for the architect-required seat; a motion to appoint Shanks passed unanimously (Commissioner Brock: yes; Commissioner Fowler: yes; Vice Mayor Cox: yes; Mayor Hunter: yes). The commission’s approval corrected an earlier appointment error noted by Hunter.

Why it matters: the Historic Zoning Commission advises on preservation and certificates of appropriateness; Hunter told the commission that the commission lacks consistent staff support to perform duties such as maintaining an inventory of potentially historic structures, and that the inventory and plan have not been updated on the five- to ten-year schedule expected by the State Historic Commission. Commissioners said they want to set the commission up for success and expressed appreciation for Hunter’s service.","Tom Shanks was appointed to the Historic Zoning Commission; public comment from longtime vice chair Harold Hunter urged better staffing continuity, updated surveys and owner education to support preservation work.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Feb. 20 Johnson City Commission — appointments, rezoning, property conveyance and CPACER adoption

Commission approves first reading to rezone 9.32 acres on Buffalo Road to allow two single-family homes

Main Street program presents annual report; commission approves MOU with Connect Downtown

Commission appoints Tom Shanks to Historic Zoning Commission after public comment citing staff turnover and outdated plan